Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday, 9 November 2026, declared that the state government stands as the voice of minority communities and is fully committed to safeguarding their interests within the constitutional framework — while ensuring equal respect and security for all religions. The remarks came during his address at the annual awards presentation and 'Jashn-e-Urdu' programme organised by the Karnataka Urdu Academy at Puttanna Chetty Town Hall in Bengaluru.

Separate Meeting for Minority Communities Next Week

Shivakumar announced that a dedicated meeting would be convened next week to hear and address grievances faced by minority religious communities. The consultations will involve leaders and legislators belonging to Christians, Muslims, Jains and Buddhists. He added that the views of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe legislators would also be incorporated.

'We are organising these meetings to understand the issues and find solutions,' he said. The Chief Minister also indicated that additional grants would be provided to support the activities of the Karnataka Urdu Academy, with requirements to be examined and assistance extended to the growth of Urdu language, literature and culture.

Constitutional Commitment and Manifesto Promises

Invoking the Constitution as the guiding framework, Shivakumar said fulfilling election manifesto commitments was a government responsibility. He stated that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and all members of the government took their oath of office holding the Constitution, and that upholding its principles — including equal respect for all castes and religions — remained a core pledge.

'Our objective is to resolve issues without hurting anyone's sentiments and by respecting the feelings of all communities. We will protect the rights and dignity guaranteed under the Constitution,' he said.

Defence of the Minorities Welfare Department

Shivakumar addressed criticism around the Minorities Welfare Department, saying differences of opinion among certain sections should not become a reason to shut down the department. 'Some people may not have faith in minority communities. However, just because others do not have faith, we cannot shut down the department,' he said. He reiterated that the government would ensure no community faces injustice.

This comes amid a broader political debate in Karnataka — and nationally — over the role and funding of minority welfare structures, with opposition voices periodically questioning their scope and mandate.

Urdu as a Language Beyond Religion

Describing Urdu as a language that transcends religious and community boundaries, the Chief Minister said it was not confined to any particular community but was 'a language of the heart.' He recalled attending a shayari programme during the Mysuru Dasara celebrations, where the audience included people from Jain, Brahmin, Kannadiga and Hindi-speaking communities — not only Muslims.

'Urdu has the power to touch people's hearts through literature, poetry and shayari. The language has no boundaries and has earned recognition across the world,' he said. He also cautioned against disrespecting any language, including English, calling language a medium of communication that should be universally respected.

A Call for Unity Over Division

Closing his address with a call for social harmony, Shivakumar drew on a pointed metaphor: 'Iron can be used to make both scissors and needles. We do not need to do the work of scissors that cut things apart. Instead, let us work like needles that stitch things together.' He stressed that the government and the party would work to unite society, not divide it.

The Chief Minister also congratulated 20 achievers honoured at the event for their contributions to Urdu language, literature and culture. With the inter-community consultations scheduled for next week, all eyes will be on how the government translates these commitments into concrete policy action.